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Charles and Sandra Resnick have declared war on fat.

They also have declared war on unhealthy snacking, eating on a whim and sitting on the couch. Since joining City of Hope’s Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program and changing their lifestyle, the married couple has lost a combined 153 pounds, at last report. And the weight is still dropping off.

It’s not just weight they’re losing, either. Charles has lost the need to take blood-pressure pills and insulin; so far, that’s saved about $1,000 a month. Sandra was able to crumple up her own prescription for cholesterol-lowering drugs and other medication, too.

“We made the commitment,” said Charles, a hand surgeon, who weighed 350 pounds when he began the program. “I’m done letting my taste buds run my life.”

They travel weekly to City of Hope to attend an educational support group about healthy eating habits, exercise and diabetes. They share personal stories with other patients to keep each other going.

Many of the stories are universal: After all, no one sets out to be overweight.

Armed with tools for change, Sandra, an office manager, no longer sits behind a desk all day. Now the couple exercises more. They also eat far more vegetables, and rely on the balanced drink packets provided by their physician and dietitian.

Charles has found the program cathartic.

“I had a meeting in my closet for all my fat clothes, and I told them they had to go,” he said, laughing. “I gave them all away. Somewhere, someone else is wearing my fat clothes. I even gave my shoes away!”

It took a concerted, multidisciplinary attack by doctors, dietitians, diabetes educators and psychologists to help him tackle his weight, change his lifestyle and strive to end his insulin dependence, he said. “They’re very knowledgeable here at City of Hope,” he said. “They all talk to each other and they all care.”

At the end of his yearlong program, Charles intends to lose enough weight to say goodbye to type 2 diabetes.

“I tore up my membership to the ‘Obesity Club of America,’ ” he said. “I’m not going back!”

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